Might Be Buying A Banshee, Couple Questions

[STLBILL]

Hi Dynofox:

 

I have a 2003 that is stock except for an "in airbox" K&N and Razor tires. I ride wooded trails a lot - when I rode. I haven't had "her" out since November because I'm chicken after an accident (long overtold story). Unless you want to rock crawl you won't have any trouble. You do need to be a good/experienced rider because there is no reverse.

 

Let me elaborate on that because it scares many people away.

 

I frequently challenge naysayers to a turn-around contest either in trails or open (In the open - !). I have never lost yet. In a trail I find a high spot. This is never as hard to find as it sounds. First consider how sharp a two-wheel drive sport quad turns. Then consider you can engage and disengage the clutch much more quickly than you can go in and out of reverse. Secondly, it's a very powerful bike with a light backend that will come around with just a stab of the throttle. Last resort, kill it, jump off (don't bother finding neutral) and whip the back end around. I am an average to small guy who works in an office all day. If I can whip the Banshee around - anyone can. One quick kick and you'll be going the other way. Try that with your heavy four-poke...

 

The Razor tires amaze me every time I get in the mud. I ride at Finger Lakes near Columbia, Missouri. If you've been there you know how muddy it is. You also know the mud is sticky nasty stuff. The Razors combined with the incredible power-to-weight ratio of the Banshee make muddy trails no problem.

 

Now this is for stock. The 'Shee is plenty fast enough for the woods the way it comes. If you buy a modified one or upgrade it you're likely to run into cooling problems - so don't do it. You aren't likely to get out of fourth gear in the woods stock so why make it faster?

 

Edit: Forgot to talk about gas mileage. I really don't have any trouble. The biggest area I've ridden is about 2,000 acres. My truck (fuel stop) is at the far end. I usually get arm pump and or dust breath and need refreshment long before the tank does. Keep in mind two-strokes use more fuel but at 350cc you're running a relatively small displacement compared to what's out there these days (but still able to leave them behind ).

 

Hope this helps... Let me know if you have more questions.

 

 

Regards,

Bill

Saint Louis, MO

Edited May 9, 2004 by STLBILL

[SCOTT PRESSLEY]

I to have rode a 250r trike and loved it .I now ride a shee and have had it in the woods and trails but prefer it on a track.If you have had no problems with a250r three wheeler then your good to go with a shee.The only thing I would do to it to make it more for the woods and trails is drop a tooth on the front sprocket .Just get one hang on to it and have fun. AS for tires the razors are a good choice of tires I have run them and hole shots and they both have their place.The razors will last longer than the hole shots they are a harder composite rubber,but I think if I was just going to trail ride I would go with trail claws.They hook up a little better in the woods for me than the others did and also in the mud and they arent that costly

Edited May 9, 2004 by SCOTT PRESSLEY

[Banshee~]

You wont have any problem riding it in the woods.The stock air filter sucks so just get a k&n.That dynoport exaust will give it lots of bottem end.

[spoin39]

OK, my turn for my 2 cents. definately go with a prodesign filter plate or equal. pipes do not add to cooling problems, but some engine ice or water wetter is recomended to help keep it cool. Banshee's are fine for the woods, as long as you know how to ride it in the woods, you need to keep the rev's up and use the clutch alot. I have ridden Wayne Nat'l Forest, and going buy the mileage on the map, i got around 8 mpg. We ride at a pretty good clip though, so this will vary. I have found the holeshot XCR's work great on my shee. I have tried razors, shredders, claws, turf tamers, and bandits, The XCR's have outperformed and outlasted all of them, just my experience though, not saying the others are bad. Get rid of the t.o.r.s. asap, it will cause trouble someday, and probably at a bad time, it is simple to do and only around $50. Get used to the shee in the woods, and you will love it! It will also keep you on here to learn all the in's and out's of shee ownership! Now buy one already!